Top 50 Ancient History MCQs for SSC with Practice Mock Test
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Boost your preparation with the top 50 most important Ancient History MCQs, specially selected from previous years’ SSC papers. These questions are highly relevant for SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, and other competitive government exams.
What’s Inside:
- 50 high-quality Ancient Indian History multiple choice questions
- Based on actual SSC exam patterns and frequently repeated topics
- Ideal for quick revision and concept strengthening.
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Top 50 Ancient History MCQs
- Q1: Prithviraj III was the king of_______dynasty who defeated Sultan Muhammad Gori in 1191.
- a) Paramara
- b) Chahamana (Chauhan)
- c) Gahadavala
- d) Chandela
- Explanation: Prithviraj III was a powerful ruler of the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty, known for his victory over Muhammad Ghori in the First Battle of Tarain.
- Q2: Who among the following was the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan?
- a) Kalhana
- b) Jayadeva
- c) Chand Bardai
- d) Bilhana
- Explanation: Chand Bardai was the court poet and close friend of Prithviraj Chauhan, and he authored the epic poem ‘Prithviraj Raso’.
- Q3: Who among the following was greatest ruler of Pratihara Dynasty ?
- a) Nagabhata I
- b) Mihira Bhoja (Bhoja I)
- c) Mahendrapala I
- d) Nagabhata II
- Explanation: Mihira Bhoja (Bhoja I) is widely considered the greatest and most powerful ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
- Q4: Mihira Bhoja was the ruler of ––––––.
- a) Pala dynasty
- b) Rashtrakuta dynasty
- c) Pratihara dynasty
- d) Chalukya dynasty
- Explanation: Mihira Bhoja was a prominent emperor of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty.
- Q5: Prithviraj Chauhan married_____. She was the daughter of his enemy Jaichand Gahadwal.
- a) Padmini
- b) Sanyogita
- c) Jodhabai
- d) Mandodari
- Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan is famous for eloping with Sanyogita (Samyukta), the daughter of his rival, Jaichand Gahadwal, as narrated in the Prithviraj Raso.
- Q6: Who was Prithviraj Chauhan’s father?
- a) Someshvara
- b) Jayasimha (Incorrect. Jayasimha was a Chalukya ruler. Prithviraj’s father was Someshvara.)
- c) Arnoraja
- d) Vigraharaja IV
- Correction & Explanation: Prithviraj Chauhan’s father was Someshvara.
- Q7: Name the poet who wrote “Prithviraj Raso”, a poem describing Prithviraj Chauhan’s life
- a) Amir Khusro
- b) Jayadeva
- c) Chand Bardai
- d) Banabhatta
- Explanation: Chand Bardai, the court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan, is credited with writing ‘Prithviraj Raso’.
- Q8: What were the two major cities under control of the Chahamanas?
- a) Delhi and Ajmer
- b) Delhi and Agra (Agra was not a major city under Chahamanas. Delhi and Ajmer were.)
- c) Ajmer and Ranthambore
- d) Jaipur and Jodhpur
- Correction & Explanation: The two major cities under the control of the Chahamanas (Chauhans) were Delhi and Ajmer. Ajmer was their capital, and they also controlled Delhi.
- Q9: The _____ rulers established their religious capital at Khajuraho.
- a) Pala
- b) Chandela
- c) Pratihara
- d) Rashtrakuta
- Explanation: The Chandela dynasty built the famous temples at Khajuraho and established it as their religious capital.
- Q10: Which of the following dynasties made Kannauj (Kanyakubja) its capital city?
- a) Pala
- b) Gurjara-Pratihara
- c) Rashtrakuta
- d) Chalukya
- Explanation: The Gurjara-Pratiharas, especially under Mihira Bhoja, made Kannauj their imperial capital.
- Q11: Which of the following Gupta kings established Nalanda University?
- a) Samudragupta
- b) Chandragupta II
- c) Kumaragupta I
- d) Skandagupta
- Explanation: Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty in the 5th century CE.
- Q12: Which of the following styles of temple architecture is popular in North India?
- a) Dravida
- b) Vesara
- c) Nagara
- d) Gopuram
- Explanation: The Nagara style of temple architecture is characteristic of North Indian temples, typically featuring a curvilinear shikhara (tower).
- Q13: Which is the architectural rock of Brihaddiswara Temple located in Tamil Nadu?
- a) Granite
- b) Sandstone
- c) Marble
- d) Basalt
- Explanation: The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, a magnificent Chola temple, is built predominantly using granite.
- Q14: How many temples are there in Panchayat an style of architecture?
- a) 3
- b) 4
- c) 5
- d) 6
- Explanation: Panchayatan style of temple architecture refers to a main shrine surrounded by four subsidiary shrines, making a total of five temples within the complex.
- Q15: Which of the following Buddhist universities is located in Bihar, India?
- a) Taxila
- b) Vallabhi
- c) Nalanda
- d) Sanchi
- Explanation: Nalanda University, a renowned ancient center of Buddhist learning, is located in Bihar.
- Q16: In which state is the brick temple of Bhitargaon located?
- a) Madhya Pradesh
- b) Uttar Pradesh
- c) Bihar
- d) Rajasthan
- Explanation: The Bhitargaon Temple, an ancient brick temple from the Gupta period, is located in Uttar Pradesh.
- Q17: In which state is Sanchi Stupa located?
- a) Uttar Pradesh
- b) Madhya Pradesh
- c) Bihar
- d) Maharashtra
- Explanation: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Madhya Pradesh.
- Q18: Which Indian state is home to Buddhist cave temples these are known as Barabar Caves?
- a) Bihar
- b) Maharashtra
- c) Gujarat
- d) Odisha
- Explanation: The Barabar Caves, rock-cut caves from the Mauryan period, are located in Bihar.
- Q19: The Ravan Phadi cave in_______is an example of the early Chalukya style architecture which is known for its distinct sculptural style.
- a) Ajanta
- b) Ellora
- c) Aihole
- d) Badami
- Explanation: The Ravan Phadi cave temple, famous for its sculptures, is located in Aihole, a major center of early Chalukya architecture.
- Q20: Which element in North Indian temple architecture represents the superstructure or tower over the sanctum sanctorum and pillared mandapas?
- a) Garbhagriha
- b) Shikhara
- c) Vimana
- d) Gopuram
- Explanation: The ‘Shikhara’ is the towering curvilinear structure built over the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in North Indian (Nagara style) temples. ‘Vimana’ is its South Indian equivalent, and ‘Gopuram’ is a monumental gatehouse in South Indian temples.
- Q21: Hoysaleshwara temple was built with which of the following stones by a Hoysala king in 1150?
- a) Granite
- b) Sandstone
- c) Chloritic schist (Soapstone)
- d) Marble
- Explanation: Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and other Hoysala temples, are famously built using soft soapstone (chloritic schist), which allowed for intricate carvings.
- Q22: Nagarjuni caves were donated by the Mauryas to which of the following sects?
- a) Buddhists
- b) Ajivikas
- c) Jains
- d) Shaivites
- Explanation: The Nagarjuni Caves (along with Barabar Caves) were donated by Mauryan emperors (Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha) to the Ajivika ascetics.
- Q23: Mauryan Pillar Capital found at________is popularly known as Lion capital.
- a) Vaishali
- b) Lauriya Nandangarh
- c) Sarnath
- d) Sanchi
- Explanation: The Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is the national emblem of India, was found at Sarnath.
- Q24: Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu, Rajasthan is an example of……. Temple architecture
- a) Hindu
- b) Jain
- c) Buddhist
- d) Sikh
- Explanation: The Dilwara Temples are a group of magnificent Jain temples renowned for their intricate marble carvings.
- Q25: Bagh caves, which has 9 Buddhist caves , was developed around 6th century AD situated on the Bagh river in……..
- a) Maharashtra
- b) Madhya Pradesh
- c) Gujarat
- d) Karnataka
- Explanation: The Bagh Caves, a group of rock-cut Buddhist caves, are located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Bagh River.
- Q26: Shri Brahmapurishwar Temple is located in which state of India?
- a) Karnataka
- b) Andhra Pradesh
- c) Tamil Nadu
- d) Kerala
- Explanation: The Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Tirukattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
- Q27: Rambhar Stupa, the place where Lord Buddha was cremated, is located in which state of India?
- a) Bihar
- b) Uttar Pradesh
- c) Madhya Pradesh
- d) Nepal
- Explanation: Rambhar Stupa, which marks the cremation site of Lord Buddha, is located in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
- Q28: The mighty gateways found at the temples of South India is called?
- a) Vimana
- b) Shikhara
- c) Gopuram
- d) Mandapa
- Explanation: Gopurams are monumental and elaborately carved gateway towers that form the entrance to South Indian Hindu temples.
- Q29: Which of the following limestone caves is in India?
- a) Ajanta Caves
- b) Ellora Caves
- c) Borra Caves
- d) Karla Caves
- Explanation: The Borra Caves, famous for their stalactite and stalagmite formations, are naturally formed limestone caves located in Andhra Pradesh. Ajanta, Ellora, and Karla are rock-cut caves.
- Q30: The ancient Neemrana stepwell is located in which of the following districts of Rajasthan?
- a) Jaipur
- b) Udaipur
- c) Jodhpur
- d) Alwar
- Explanation: The Neemrana Baori (stepwell) is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.
- Q31: In which city of Gujarat will you find the Uparkot Buddhist Caves?
- a) Ahmedabad
- b) Vadodara
- c) Junagadh
- d) Surat
- Explanation: The Uparkot Caves, a group of Buddhist caves, are located in Junagadh, Gujarat.
- Q32: The Bhaja Caves are located in ______.
- a) Gujarat
- b) Maharashtra
- c) Madhya Pradesh
- d) Andhra Pradesh
- Explanation: The Bhaja Caves, a group of 22 rock-cut caves, are located near Lonavala in Maharashtra.
- Q33: Ajanta Caves is in………
- a) Kerala
- b) Andhra Pradesh
- c) Maharashtra
- d) Odisha
- Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, famous for their Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments, are located in Maharashtra.
- Q34: In which of the following states is the Ajanta caves situated?
- a) Odisha
- b) Karnataka
- c) Kerala
- d) Maharashtra
- Explanation: The Ajanta Caves are located in Maharashtra.
- Q35: Which of the following is not true about Ajanta Caves?
- a) They are located in Maharashtra.
- b) They are rock-cut caves.
- c) They are primarily Buddhist.
- d) They contain paintings of the Hindu deities.
- Explanation: While Ajanta Caves are in Maharashtra, rock-cut, and primarily Buddhist, their paintings overwhelmingly depict stories from the Jataka tales (Buddha’s previous lives) and Buddhist deities and themes, not Hindu deities.
- Q36: The rock-cut cave monuments at Ajanta in Maharashtra belong to which religion?
- a) Jainism
- b) Buddhism
- c) Hinduism
- d) Sikhism
- Explanation: The Ajanta Caves are exclusively Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments.
- Q37: In which of the following states is Kardang Monastery situated ?
- a) Uttarakhand
- b) Himachal Pradesh
- c) Sikkim
- d) Arunachal Pradesh
- Explanation: Kardang Monastery, a prominent Buddhist monastery, is located in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
- Q38: ____is famous for outstanding specimen of Buddhist art and architecture, belonging to the period between the 3rd century B.C. and the 12th century A.D.
- a) Ajanta Caves
- b) Ellora Caves
- c) Sanchi Stupa
- d) Elephanta Caves
- Explanation: The Sanchi Stupa complex is renowned for its magnificent Buddhist art and architecture, with structures dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE.
- Q39: The famous Dilwara temples of Mount Abu sacred pilgrimage place for the
- a) Hindus
- b) Jains
- c) Buddhists
- d) Sikhs
- Explanation: The Dilwara Temples are a major pilgrimage site for Jains.
- Q40: In which of the following place, are the Dilwara temples of Jainism located ?
- a) Bhubaneswar
- b) Puri
- c) Mount Abu
- d) Gwalior
- Explanation: The Dilwara Temples are situated near Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
- Q41: Which dynasty built the pancha rathas of Mahabalipuram ?
- a) Chalukya
- b) Chola
- c) Pallava
- d) Pandya
- Explanation: The Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas) at Mahabalipuram are examples of monolithic rock-cut architecture built by the Pallava dynasty.
- Q42: Mahabalipuram was founded by……….
- a) Mahendravarman I
- b) Narasimhavarman I
- c) Nandivarman II
- d) Paramesvaravarman I
- Explanation: Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was founded and developed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mamalla.
- Q43: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was constructed by ––––––.
- a) Pala
- b) Chandela
- c) Pratihara
- d) Rashtrakuta
- Explanation: The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the largest and most ornate temple at Khajuraho, was built by the Chandela king Vidyadhara.
- Q44: Khajuraho Group of monuments are attributed to which dynasty?
- a) Pala
- b) Chandela
- c) Pratihara
- d) Rashtrakuta
- Explanation: The Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela dynasty.
- Q45: Which dynasty built the Khajuraho temple complex?
- a) Pala
- b) Chandela
- c) Pratihara
- d) Rashtrakuta
- Explanation: The Chandela dynasty built the Khajuraho temple complex.
- Q46: The famous cultural site Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) is situated on the banks of which river ?
- a) Sabarmati
- b) Tapi
- c) Saraswati
- d) Narmada
- Explanation: Rani-ki-Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the banks of the River Saraswati in Patan, Gujarat.
- Q47: ‘Rani ki Vav’ in Gujarat is a famous…………
- a) Palace
- b) Temple
- c) Stepwell
- d) Fort
- Explanation: Rani-ki-Vav is an elaborately carved stepwell.
- Q48: Which temples are well-known for their Nagara style of architecture having erotic sculpturs?
- a) Konark Sun Temple
- b) Brihadeeswarar Temple
- c) Khajuraho Temples
- d) Shore Temple
- Explanation: The Khajuraho Temples are famous for their Nagara style architecture and their explicit erotic sculptures.
- Q49: The Khajuraho Temples are located in the state of ______.
- a) Uttar Pradesh
- b) Madhya Pradesh
- c) Rajasthan
- d) Bihar
- Explanation: The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is located in Madhya Pradesh.
- Q50: Ananthapura Lake Temple is a Hindu Temple built in the middle of a lake in………….
- a) Andhra Pradesh
- b) Tamil Nadu
- c) Karnataka
- d) Kerala
- Explanation: The Ananthapura Lake Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is uniquely situated in the middle of a lake in Kasaragod, Kerala.
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